From Destiny’s Child’s matching ensemble back in 2001 to Harry Styles wearing an all black Nina Ricci suit in 2023, here is a look into the best BRIT Awards red carpet outfits over the years
London will be filled with glitz and glamour as the BRIT Awards promise fun and celebration. With nominations including Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, and Fred Again.. for Artist of the Year and Coldplay competing against The Cure for Group of the Year, it’s set to be a memorable night for the music industry – but we can’t forget the outfits.
The ceremony honours the music industry in all its glory, but many people consider the red carpet their favourite part of the night. Over the years, celebrities have taken the opportunity on the BRIT Awards red carpet to experiment with new styles and showcase unique collaborations with leading fashion houses. As a result, the event has earned a reputation as one of the most fashionable nights in the British calendar.
The first BRIT Awards occurred in 1977 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee. The winners included some of the most iconic names in music history, such as Elton John and Pink Floyd. Initially, these awards were known as the British Record Industry Britannia Centenary Awards.
In honour of the Brit Awards this Saturday, we’ve looked through the archives for some of our favourite looks from the iconic red carpet.
Harry Styles’ all black Nina Ricci number
Harry Styles is no stranger to fashion; style is quite literally in his name. In 2023, Harry Styles blessed the BRIT Awards red carpet with one of his best looks yet. His long-term stylist, Harry Lambert, dressed Styles in a custom Nina Ricci suit designed by Harris Reed. The black velvet suit featured wide tuxedo labels and was accessorised with a large matching floral choker and black boots.
Geri Halliwell’s iconic Union Jack dress
The Union Jack Dress is an iconic symbol of the BRIT Awards. This ultra-mini dress designed by Gucci, worn by singer Geri Halliwell from the Spice Girls, features the flag of the United Kingdom on the front and a white brace symbol on the back.
Halliwell wore the dress while performing a ‘Wannabe’ and ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ medley at the BRIT Awards in 1997. That evening, the group won two awards. The dress now holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive piece of clothing sold at auction that belonged to a pop star.
In 2010, The Daily Telegraph reported that the dress topped an online poll ranking the 10 most iconic dresses of the past 50 years, surpassing other memorable garments, including Marilyn Monroe’s white halter neck from “The Seven Year Itch.”
Amy Winehouse’s ‘Power Dress’
In 2007, six-time Grammy award winner Amy Winehouse graced the BRIT Awards red carpet in the ‘Power Dress’ by Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, where she ended up taking the award home for Best British Female Artist. Winehouse styled the bright yellow mini dress with a contrasting lacey black balconette bra, a red heart-shaped cross-body bag, her classic black eyeliner, a red lip and her infamous beehive hairstyle.
Lady Gaga’s tribute to Alexandra McQueen
I don’t think it’s possible for anyone to love a red carpet more than Lady Gaga. The American pop artist is renowned for her eccentric style and bold fashion choices, consistently pushing the boundaries in all the right ways.
In 2010, Lady Gaga made her debut at the Brit Awards, captivating the audience with her stripped-back performances of ‘Telephone’ and ‘Dance in the Dark’. She dedicated these songs to her close friend and legendary designer, Alexander McQueen, who had sadly passed away just days prior.
For the occasion, she wore a gown designed by Francesco Scognamiglio, which resembled a three-tiered wedding cake, complete with a Venetian-inspired headpiece.
Cher’s sequined mini dress
Cher is known for her love of sparkly outfits, and at the 1999 BRIT Awards, she showcased this perfectly. The American singer wore a dazzling sequined mini dress, paired effortlessly with velvet trousers. Cher adorned her platinum blonde wig with a bejewelled headpiece to complete her look. She added a black cardigan, tying the entire ensemble together.
Destiny’s Child in matching green dresses
In 2001, Destiny’s Child was rapidly gaining popularity. Known for their show-stopping fashion, they continue to be admired for their style today. After the release of their chart-topping single ‘Survivor,’ Destiny’s Child paid tribute to the music video by attending the BRIT Awards in stunning green outfits.
Wearing the same fabric but with different designs, Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams looked sensational as they posed together. They not only lit up the red carpet but also wowed the excited crowd with a memorable performance on stage.
Kylie Minogue in a white corset
At the 2002 BRIT Awards, Australian singer Kylie Minogue performed her hit single “Can’t Get You Out of My Head.” During her performance, Minogue wore a striking white corseted mini dress designed by the Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana.
She complemented the dress with thigh-high silver boots and silver jewellery, creating a refreshingly cool look. Fans were surprised when Kylie concealed her outfit under a thick red coat on the red carpet.